Fast and Easy – Yoga Poses to Release Neck and Shoulder Pain

Many people suffer from neck and shoulder pain on a regular basis. Stress, poor posture, accidents, and long-stored physiological tension can contribute to a mild stiff neck or even a full-blown muscle spasm of the neck, shoulders, and upper back.

When confronted with neck pain, we tend turn to medication or a heating pad for relief. But, there are some easy stretches that, when done regularly, can help relieve and possibly even ward off, this tightness. Whether your neck and shoulders are sore because you slept funny or overdid it in your exercise routine or because you’re stressed, these yoga poses can help relieve the pressure.

1. Arm Across Chest Pose

Sit comfortably on the floor or on a chair with your spine straight, neck elongated, and shoulders in a relaxed position. Reach the right arm out so it is at shoulder height and bring it across the chest toward the left side of your body. Turn your gaze to look over your right shoulder. This pose will stretch the neck and back of the shoulders. Hold for approximately 8-10 breaths then switch sides.

2. Thread the Needle Pose

Begin in a tabletop position, with your knees aligned with your hips. Walk the left hand forward as far as you can and thread the right arm under it. Rest your right shoulder and your right cheek on the mat. Close your eyes and relax into the pose as it gently stretches the shoulders, arms, upper back, and neck. Hold this pose for approximately 8-10 breaths. Switch sides and repeat.

3. Eagle Arms

Stand or sit comfortably with your spine straight and your neck comfortably elongated. Reach out both arms so they’re at shoulder width and height. Bend the right arm up towards the head and sweep the left arm under the right. Bend and wrap the left arm around the right one. The eventual goal is to have the palms touch. Gaining that flexibility may take time, so if the palms don’t reach, grasp the wrist of the right arm with your left hand. Breathe deeply. Lower your shoulders away from your ears, gently pull the hands away from the face, and slowly turn your gaze over the left shoulder. This pose stretches the muscles in your arms, shoulders, upper back, and neck. Hold the pose for at least five breaths and work up to 10 breaths. Switch sides and repeat.

4.Shoulder Rolls

Stand or sit comfortably with a straight spine. Place your fingertips on top of your shoulders. Pull your elbows toward each other in the front of the body to stretch out the shoulder blades and upper back. Pull them up to stretch the triceps. Fan them to the side to stretch out the chest and front of the shoulders. Pull them towards each other in the back of the body for a deep shoulder and chest stretch. Hold each pose for several breaths.

5.Cat/Cow Stretch

Begin in a tabletop position, with your wrists aligned with your shoulders and knees aligned with your hips. With each inhale, arch your back and look towards the ceiling (this is the cow). With each exhale, tuck your chin into your chest, pull your tailbone under, and round your back and shoulders (this is the cat). The combination of the two stretches the neck, chest, shoulders, spinal column, and lower back. Switch between the two for 8-10 breaths.

6.Backward Hand Clasp

Stand with your feet hip width apart. Interlace your fingers behind you and press your palms together. Lift the arms as high as you can until you feel the stretch in the front of your shoulders. Hold the pose for 8-10 breaths.

7.Supported Fish Pose

Sit on the floor with your legs stretched out in front of you or with your knees bend and your feet resting on the floor. Place a small stack of blankets or two yoga blocks behind you so that when you lean back, one will rest between your shoulder blades and one will support your head. Lean back onto the blocks and relax your arms on other side of your body. This pose will stretch the chest, the front of the shoulders, and neck. Relax in this pose for 8-10 breaths.